Page 74 of It's a Date (Again)

He folds his arms in front of his chest and smiles. “Hey, take your time. I’ve got all day.”

I toss him a smile and walk back into the dressing room, closing the drapes behind me. I quickly change out of the dress and slip on a black one. It’s also formfitting, with a square neckline and thick straps. It stops a couple of inches above the knee. It’s a little tighter than I’d like, but at least it has more of a classic look. I stare at my reflection, turning side to side. I think I like it.

Robbie picks his head up when I push open the drapes, and I’m met with the same reaction the red dress got from him. Wide eyes and a parted mouth.

“You’re beautiful,” he says. “I mean, the dress is.” His cheeks flush. “I mean, you’re beautiful in that dress.” He shuffles his feet, dropping eye contact for a moment.

I squint at him in the mirror but then relax. “Thanks,” I say.

My gaze glides between my reflection and Robbie’s. I notice his mouth curving into a grin.

“What?” I ask, staring at him through the mirror.

“Nothing.” He shrugs.

“Why are you grinning?”

Robbie slips his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and rocks back on his heels. “I’m just happy to see you happy.”

I smile back and nod. “This is the dress.”

“I think it is too.” Robbie pulls his lips in. “Shawn’s a lucky guy,” he says in a low voice as he walks back to his chair.

I’m not sure if I’m supposed to respond and agree that he is lucky or say I’m the lucky one, so I don’t say anything at all. Instead, I just return to my dressing room, sliding the drapes closed without another word.

My heels click along the hardwood floor. They’re strappy wedges, only a couple of inches high. Any higher, and I was sure I’d biff it. A simple gold chain necklace with a round pendant hangs from my neck, paired with a set of gold studs. My hair is full of large curls, and my makeup is the same as how I’ve been wearing it the last couple of days—simple, except this time, there’s an extra coat of mascara and a layer of mixed brown eye shadows on my lids.

“Wow, look at you,” Robbie says as I enter the kitchen. I stop and glance down at myself. The black dress was the right choice. It hugs me in all the right places, it’s comfortable, and it feels like me. Straightforward and forgettable (like my memories).

“Thanks,” I say, setting a small gold purse on the counter. I transfer some items from my everyday bag to it. “What are your plans for the night?”

He leans against the counter. “Going to Maya’s comedy show.”

“Oh, she has a show tonight?”

“Yeah, practically every Friday night. Whenever she can book a gig, she does. I haven’t been able to make one in a while, so I’m looking forward to it. She said she’s got a whole new set.”

“I wish I could go,” I say with a slight frown.

“We can go together ... another time when you’re free.”

My frown disappears at his offer. “I’d like that.”

“When’s Shawn supposed to be here?”

I check the clock on my phone. “Any minute now.”

Robbie pulls a beer from the fridge. “Are you excited?” he asks, popping the cap off and taking a swig.

“Yeah, and also a little nervous. It’s my last first date ... again.” I chuckle.

He laughs and nods. “No need to be nervous. Just be yourself.”

“Yeah ... but I’m not entirely sure who that is.”

“Yes, you do, Peyton. You’ve been yourself around me the past few days. You may not remember who you are, but you’re still you.”

“Thanks for being here for me this week,” I say, delivering a half smile.

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